Wavecom announces world’s first ATEX-approved GSM/GPRS wireless microprocessor

09/19/2008

Issy-les-Moulineaux, France – September 19 – The Wavecom Group today announced the availability of the WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor, the world’s first ATEX-approved GSM/GPRS solution for wireless machine-to-machine communication. The unique offering will greatly reduce time to market for developers and integrators of smart metering solutions and other devices operating in potentially explosive environments.
 
ATEX (ATmosphere EXplosive) is the European directive for certifying products for use in environments where there may be a risk of explosions from exposure to volatile chemicals, liquids or gases. The WMP120 is certified for ATEX equipment category 1 and 3, which allows its use in zone 0, 1 and 2.
 
The WMP120 offers Wavecom customers unique advantages in terms of scalability and system cost. The same GSM/GPRS platform can be used for both gas meters and metering gateways, with a common software architecture. On the meter, a WMP120 can simply be added to an existing sensor part and used as a GSM/GPRS data logger. On the gateway, a 100% software and hardware compatible WMP100 can manage network technologies, such as ZigBee, proprietary RF or PLCs in addition to the GSM/GPRS communication.
 
By integrating the WMP120, Wavecom customers can speed the certification process for the final product: The main component of a GSM/GPRS-enabled meter is already ATEX- certified in its typical environment, and there is no need for an in-depth ATEX design analysis of the GSM/GPRS part. Furthermore, thanks to the WMP120, existing smart meter designs can be adapted for use in potentially explosive atmospheres without major changes.
 
WMP120 provides ATEX certification in addition to all of the benefits of the current high- running WMP100 Wireless Microprocessor. It can operate as a smart modem, as a shared processor with a host CPU, or as a stand-alone CPU natively executing the customer application. It supports three programming models: host AT commands, standard C executable and Lua scripting. It also supports the Open AT real-time operating system and the full range of Open AT plug-ins, including Internet, Security and GPS, in addition to the IDS (Intelligent Device Services) scalable platform for securely delivering upgrades and diagnostics over the air.
 
WMP100 and WMP150 (automotive version) are already in use by more than 100 large global customers, in applications ranging from automotive and smart metering to security, asset tracking, wireless local loop and more.
 
WMP120 is available to order now, for delivery commencing late October 2008.